Valentine's Day Bar Party in Bhubaneswar Descends into Chaos with Police Raid
In a startling turn of events, what was meant to be a romantic Valentine's Day celebration at a bar in the Kharavel Nagar area of Bhubaneswar ended in disarray early on Sunday. Instead of concluding with joyous music and laughter, the night was abruptly interrupted by the blaring sirens of police vehicles and the subsequent sealing of the establishment's doors.
Late-Night Operation Sparks Excise Department Intervention
Excise officers arrived at the bar at 1:30 am, well beyond the legally permitted closing time of midnight. According to regulations, bars in Bhubaneswar are authorized to operate from 12 pm to 12 am, typically with a 30-minute grace period to allow for winding down activities. However, officials reported that this particular venue had defiantly launched a fresh party at 1 am, blatantly violating these rules.
The inspection team, led by Excise Superintendent Debashish Patel, discovered the premises overcrowded with revellers. Loud music was still playing, and alcoholic beverages continued to be served, creating a scene of ongoing festivity despite the late hour.
Aggressive Confrontation and Legal Repercussions
Patel recounted a tense confrontation, where bar staff members reacted with hostility towards the officers. They hurled abuses, demanded that the excise team leave immediately, and even issued threats of dire consequences if legal action were pursued. "They were extremely unruly and aggressive. We had no choice but to call in Kharavel Nagar police for support," Patel stated, highlighting the severity of the situation.
In response, an FIR has been officially lodged against the employees involved in the incident. The excise department has taken decisive action by sealing the bar, citing clear violations of operating hours and misconduct towards government officers. Patel emphasized that a proposal will be submitted to cancel the bar's licence entirely, underscoring a zero-tolerance policy. "We will not tolerate such defiance. Bars must respect the rules and cooperate with inspections," he asserted firmly.
Ongoing Investigations and Broader Implications
While Kharavel Nagar police have detained three bar employees for their alleged roles in the incident, excise officers have collected CCTV footage to scrutinize the bar's daily closure timings. Patel indicated that this might not be an isolated case, as previous complaints had been lodged against the establishment for frequent breaches of licence norms. "We suspect this was not an isolated incident, as complaints had previously come against the establishment for frequent breaches of licence norms," he explained, suggesting a pattern of non-compliance.
The department has issued a stern warning, framing this crackdown as a clear reminder to bar owners across the state. Stringent measures will be enforced against any venue found flouting regulations. "We urge owners to sensitise their staff and managers. Zero tolerance will be adopted for violations," Patel reiterated, signaling a heightened vigilance in regulatory enforcement.
